Listeria-Contaminated Cheese Sickens Some Babies, Kills One

A semi-soft, Hispanic-style cheese has apparently sickened a number of babies in Maryland and California, and one baby has died from what officials believe is listeria contamination. Listeria is a bacteria that is most dangerous to young children and pregnant women. The Associated Press has more:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that the death occurred in California. Seven additional illnesses were reported in Maryland.

All of the Maryland victims reported eating soft or semi-soft Hispanic-style cheese that they purchased at different locations of the same grocery store chain. Listeria was later detected in a sample of Caujada en Terron, or fresh cheese curd, purchased at that chain.

The CDC says three of the victims are newborns. Two of those ill are mothers of two of the ill newborns.

The agency says the cheese was probably produced by Roos Foods of Kenton, Del.